Multiple exhaust gaskets?

[JTGS850GL]

Doing some cleanup on my newly acquired GS1100G engine and found that all the exhaust ports had multiple exhaust gaskets. One had as many as 4. Is it normal to install more then one gasket per hole?

[Steve]

Normal? No. Common? Yes.

When a gasket is old and compressed into place, it just looks like a machined step in the exhaust port.
Many rookie "mechanics" mistake it for such and install another gasket, thinking that there is none in place.

.

[Guest]

It's pretty common to see two in each port if you're using a 4 into 1, it's the only way to prevent a leak.

[Grimly]

Yep, some aftermarket exhaust makers just weren't very careful about jigging their pipes right, leading to misalignments and leaks, leading to hair-tearing episodes and desperation measures such as using more than one gasket and/or exhaust putty.
It was a jungle, I tells ya.

[Mr.humbucker]

How difficult is it or was it to remove the gaskets if you in fact did or had to? I have just installed my pipes (NOS) on a resoration project 81 GS550 and found that the pipe collar doesn't want to go all the way in with the new gaskets in place. I suspect that they are sitting on top of an old layer(s) of gasket. Anyone out there have any experience in removing older exhaust gaskets .... Or, is it necessary? Will the old gaskets that are still in there do the trick?

[Katarat]

I use a cheap Harbor Freight 90 degree orange handled pick to remove mine

[Mr.humbucker]

Yup, got one of those and will try it on my two 550T's as they both have stacked gaskets in there. After I updated my post earlier today I went out a had a go at the gaskets in a buggered head with stipped pipe bolt holes. I used a long handled slot screw driver and managed to get them all out much easier then I expected. The trick is a good edge on the tip of the srew driver. Will go at the the two waiting in the garage tomorrow. Thanks for the input.